Nigerians Vote in Presidential Elections

 VOA News ?April 16, 2011

An electoral official check a voters name at a polling place in Daura, Nigeria, Saturday, April 16, 2011

Nigerians are voting Saturday in elections President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to win.

Security is tight at polling stations across the country.? Two explosions in the northeastern city Maiduguri early Saturday heightened concerns but caused no injuries.

Mr. Jonathan faces two main challengers who failed to form an alliance in a last-minute bid to force a run-off.

President Jonathan's top rival is former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, followed by challenger Nuhu Ribadu, a former anti-corruption chief.

Mr. Jonathan has promised to improve the economy, health and education in the oil-rich country.

Mr. Buhari has vowed to clean up corruption and invest in Nigeria's infrastructure, while Mr. Ribadu has said his top priority is to lift ordinary Nigerians from poverty.

Authorities have closed the borders during the vote.

Election officials say Nigeria is prepared for Saturday's presidential poll, after delaying key elections this month due to logistical problems and a shortage of ballots.

Parliamentary polls last week show Mr. Jonathan's ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) lost some ground, but will retain its majority.

Parliamentary voting delayed at 15 percent of the polling stations are scheduled to take place Saturday.

International monitors described last Saturday's polling as "encouraging." ?

The European Union declared Nigeria's 2007 vote "not credible."

President Goodluck Jonathan, the former vice president, is seeking his first full term after assuming the presidency last year upon the death of his predecessor, President Umaru Yar'Adua.

Nigeria is scheduled to hold state level elections on April 26.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

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